New York Giants Drafts…Would You Really Take a LB?

I had a discussion with a friend of mine the other day and made the point that the linebacker position had changed over the years and that Giants fans in particular are hung-up on drafting a stud linebacker early in the draft.  Yes, the Giants defense of old was always known by it’s linebackers.  Huff, Taylor, Carson, Van Pelt, Banks, Headen, Armstead, Reasons, Kelly…….but I proposed that in today’s pass happy 5 wide receiver set league, most of these guys wouldn’t make the team.  Yes Taylor and Banks and  Van Pelt could still play, but do you think Harry Carson could cover LeSean McCoy? Line backers are made by how the guys play in front of them.  Every great LB had a great line in front of them.  Now do I think it wouldn’t hurt to draft a LB somewhere in the draft..yes…but a high first round pick? Not worth the talent or money slot.  Offensive Line is the area of need, and is available in every draft.  Line backers come via trade and Free Agency.

Here is a look back at the last 10 years of LB draft picks for the Giants.

2003: None

2004: Reggie Torbor

2005: None

2006: Gerris Wilkinson

2007: None…Zac DeOssie was listed as a LB, but was never intended to play the position

2008: Bryan Kehl, Jonathan Goff

2009: Clint Sintim

2010: Phillip Dillard

2011: Greg Jones, Jacquain Williams

2012: None

2013: None